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***
The soldier ran up to her, "Who is it?"
"His name is Hawks," She muttered as her face flamed under his scrutiny. "He was a friend of my fathers. I think."
> "Friends do not stalk," Chase added with a smirk.
"What does he want?" the soldier questioned, his voice curt and harsh.
"I don't know for sure," she said and turned away, smothering a sob. Her throat was so dry, her tongue seemed to scratch it.
"You are promised to him?" Chase asked, his face questioning her.
"No. He was my father's friend. Not mine. Not Josh's. I suppose he's watching after Josh and me. I don't know…," she admitted and hung her head. "He's been watching us for some time. Even back at the station. We don't know what he wants. He came to warn us about Buffalo Hump and his raids. But why he watches, I don't know."
"And what was your father's business with him?" Chase asked still doctoring Josh, but intently waiting for her answer.
"I don't know. I supposed from the bits and pieces I picked up on his visit that my father and him were in some kind of business together. He's been around since my father died, never saying much, just around." She shivered. "I don't understand it."
***
Chase got to his feet and came to stand before her, "Are you afraid of him?"
"Yes, I'd be a fool not to be. He's very shrewd. He just keeps waiting as though for the right time. As though I'm the fool and will fall into his trap. And yet, I don't know what kind of trap he holds."
"You must never show fear," Chase said, pulling her chin up. "When one has an enemy, the worst thing you can do is show fear. Then they have the advantage," Chase cautioned.
Katherine nodded.
The soldier listened and nodded, "He's right about that. Captain said the same thing, to all of us in his detail."
"I didn't think he'd follow us after all the shooting at the station." She cringed. "He certainly didn't swoop down to help. The Tyler boys said they'd help if we needed it. But no one came to our aid…."
"He wants something, Katherine." Chase nodded. "And before we're through, we will know what it is."
When she visibly shivered, Chase looked at her and smiled. "Do not worry, he is only one old man, and he's not even Indian."
"Don't underestimate him," she reprimanded.
"I won't," Chase reassured her.
"Daylight is coming, get some rest. I put clean bandages on your brother, he is weak, but he's alive. We will change them often."
Chase looked at the soldier, "What do they call you, soldier?"
"Name's Nelson. Lee Martin Nelson."
"Lee, it is a good name."
"Never thought much about it. Just a name." The soldier nodded, the shadows gone from his face as he accepted his own fate.
"I am Chase Rivers, Lee."
"Chase Rivers?" The soldier nodded and smiled.
"Yes, Chase is my white name, Rivers is my Indian name. I will call you Lee. So, are you good with the rifle?" Chase asked.
"Not bad," he smiled. "They call me a marksman."
